Inside Pregnancy: Weeks 28 to 37 – A Guide to the Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy is an exciting and crucial time for both expectant parents and their growing baby. As you enter the final stage of pregnancy, your antenatal care becomes even more important to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child. Weeks 28 to 37 of pregnancy mark significant milestones, including rapid fetal development, important antenatal appointments, and preparing for labour and delivery. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the third trimester, from pregnancy care to relaxation techniques like antenatal massage and yoga during pregnancy.

Week 28 to 30: The Beginning of the Third Trimester

As you enter week 28, you are officially in the third trimester. During this time, your antenatal appointments will become more frequent, typically every two weeks, as your healthcare provider monitors your baby’s growth, your health, and any potential complications.

Fetal Development

At 28 weeks, your baby is about the size of a large eggplant, measuring around 37-38 cm and weighing approximately 1 kilogram. During these weeks, your baby’s brain develops rapidly, and the eyes can now blink and respond to light. The lungs are also maturing, although they won’t be fully developed until closer to birth. By 30 weeks, your baby is practising breathing movements, preparing for life outside the womb.

Antenatal Care

In addition to routine antenatal checkups, you may be tested for gestational diabetes between weeks 28 and 30 if it hasn’t been done earlier. This is also a good time to begin discussing your birth plan with your healthcare provider and considering options for pain relief during labour. Regular pregnancy clinic visits are essential to ensure that your baby is developing well and that you are maintaining optimal health.

Staying Active

While your growing belly may make physical activity more challenging, staying active is beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Consider joining antenatal yoga or pregnancy yoga classes to maintain flexibility, reduce stress, and prepare your body for labour. Yoga for pregnancy is gentle, low-impact, and helps with relaxation during pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness routine during pregnancy.

Week 31 to 33: Preparing for Labour

At this stage, you may start feeling more tired as your baby continues to grow and place additional pressure on your body. You might also experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are mild, irregular contractions that help prepare your uterus for labour.

Fetal Development

By 31 weeks, your baby is likely weighing around 1.5 kilograms and measures about 40 cm. Fat is building under the skin, helping to regulate body temperature after birth. The baby’s bones are hardening, though the skull remains soft to allow for easier passage through the birth canal during delivery.

Antenatal Appointments and Scans

During this period, your antenatal care will continue to include routine checkups, where your healthcare provider will measure your bump, monitor your blood pressure, and listen to your baby’s heartbeat. Around week 32, some women may have an ultrasound to check the baby’s position and amniotic fluid levels. If the baby is in a breech position (feet down), there may be discussions about options for delivery.

It’s important to attend all antenatal scans and antenatal classes to stay informed about your pregnancy and prepare for childbirth. Many antenatal clinics also offer antenatal education, which provides valuable insights into labour, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

Relaxation During Pregnancy

As you approach the final stretch of pregnancy, it’s essential to prioritise rest and relaxation. This is where antenatal massage or prenatal massage can play a beneficial role. Massage for pregnancy helps relieve back pain, reduces swelling, and improves circulation. Studies have shown that pregnancy massage benefits include decreased anxiety and better sleep, both of which are important for expectant mothers.

Week 34 to 36: The Final Preparations

The last few weeks of pregnancy are filled with anticipation as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. Your body is getting ready for labour, and it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Fetal Development

By week 34, your baby weighs around 2.1 kilograms and measures approximately 45 cm. The baby’s skin is becoming smoother as more fat is deposited beneath the surface. The digestive system is fully developed, and the baby’s lungs are maturing rapidly. By 36 weeks, your baby is considered late preterm, meaning they could safely be born, though a few more weeks of development are ideal for lung function and brain development.

Antenatal Appointments and Birth Planning

At 34 weeks, you may begin seeing your healthcare provider weekly, as monitoring becomes more frequent. Antenatal checkups during this stage may include checking the baby’s position, monitoring fetal heart rate, and assessing your body’s readiness for labour. This is also the time to finalise your birth plan, discuss any last-minute questions, and pack your hospital bag.

Many women also sign up for antenatal classes near me to prepare for labour and delivery. These classes often cover topics like breathing techniques, pain management, and postpartum care. It’s a good idea to involve your birthing partner in these classes so they feel prepared and supported as well.

Practising Self-Care

As the due date approaches, fatigue and discomfort may increase. Regular gentle exercise, such as antenatal yoga or walking, can help with circulation and reduce swelling. Self-care practices, including prenatal massage, warm baths, and relaxation techniques, can ease discomfort and improve mental well-being.

Week 37: The Countdown to Delivery

You’ve made it to week 37, and your baby is considered full-term! At this point, labour could begin at any time, so it’s essential to stay calm and prepared.

Fetal Development

At 37 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 2.8 kilograms and measures around 48 cm. The organs are fully developed, and the baby is ready to enter the world. The baby’s head may have engaged, meaning it has moved down into the pelvis in preparation for birth.

Signs of Labour

As you reach full term, you’ll start looking for signs that labour is approaching. These may include:

Loss of the mucus plug: A thick discharge that blocks the cervix during pregnancy may come away as your cervix begins to dilate.

Water breaking: This is the rupture of the amniotic sac, signalling that labour is near.

Regular contractions: Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, true labour contractions come at regular intervals and increase in intensity.

If you experience any of these signs, contact your healthcare provider or visit your antenatal clinic. It’s important to follow their instructions and head to the hospital when appropriate.

Emotional Well-being

The final weeks of pregnancy can be emotionally intense. Anticipating labour, coupled with physical discomfort, may cause stress or anxiety. To combat these feelings, focus on relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or pregnancy yoga. Surround yourself with supportive people and make use of antenatal support resources, whether it’s talking to a midwife or attending a local antenatal class.